Construction sites are responsible for managing the process and implementation of a quality stormwater management plan. In most cases, there are staff members who take primary responsibility to oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of all stormwater management systems during construction.
A typical stormwater management system can include drainage systems, retention and detention ponds, erosion and sediment control measures, green infrastructure projects, and other practices that capture, treat, and control stormwater. Once the system is defined, it is time to develop the stormwater management plans and policies, site worker education programs, and engagement with other agencies and stakeholders to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to stormwater management.
The first encounter for a construction site is to ensure compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements by clearly identifying stormwater pollution threats. When a construction project is in motion, there can be the potential for sediment, erosion, and other contaminants like paint, stucco, and fuel to potentially leave the site and enter local water bodies. Proper Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be implemented to control and manage these pollutant challenges.
The second encounter is to actively perform proper inspections. A stormwater inspector’s primary role is to arrive on a construction site, obtain the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and then begin to ensure that all erosion control measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been implemented properly. An effective stormwater inspector is the first person to determine if the performance standards and intent of the erosion and sediment control rules and procedures are being met. When stormwater is managed and allowed to stay close to where it falls, then we have less erosion taking place. Stormwater controls, or BMPs, must be routinely inspected and then receive the necessary maintenance to ensure they continually function as designed.
The third encounter will be to observe areas for routine, and consistent repairs of the various control measures and best management practices in place. The site has seven days to complete any maintenance items listed for restoration on inspection reports. All maintenance expectations are directly associated to responding to the inspection output that may have been documented due to specific conditions or events that caused any BMPs to malfunction. Maintenance is also performed to correct any deterioration of BMPs and to maintain the construction sites’ integrity towards the Florida’s Construction Generic Permit (CGP) stormwater compliance criteria. Maintenance can also include emergency repairs because of weather conditions or other unexpected damage to a BMP structure.
KCI is an expert at stormwater management. We strive to ensure your NPDES permit is managed, deliver quality inspection, and deliver quality reporting output providing construction site operators with a clear path to success. KCI is here to help, call us to today at 888-346-7779.
